Suffolk And Cambridge Councils To Follow Norfolk By Investing In Solar Panels And Heat Pumps
Online, March 20, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Norfolk has long been at the forefront of renewable energy promotion and installation. As the effects of global warming become increasingly apparent, other counties are now looking to Norfolk for ideas on how to improve their own carbon footprint.
Solar panels have been a hot topic lately and it's much to do with Feed-in-tariffs (FITs) that were introduced in April 2010. Reducing Norfolk's carbon footprint has never been more important and Norfolk County Council has chosen to set up an Energy Services Company (ESCO). This means that the council is initiating the installation of heath pumps in Norfolk. Having air source heat pumps in Norfolk provides an increasing number of households with an excellent way of creating their own renewable energy. This is also assisted by the increase in the installation of solar panels in Norfolk.
Suffolk county council has chosen to market themselves as a council 'creating the greenest county'. The council is now looking to encourage use of renewable energy in the area and this will be a vital part of the county's plans to reduce their carbon footprint. The council also writes on their website that they will: "actively investigate and develop the concept for an Energy Service Company in Suffolk." Installing solar panels in Suffolk is only the beginning of their green energy journey.
"Creating the Greenest County is about actions not words, we all need to be involved in delivering this Action Plan," said David Barker, Chairman of Creating the Greenest County.
Cambridgeshire Council has also been keen to wave the green flag, but is falling behind Suffolk and Norfolk. Although some private companies have taken the initiative to approach the council about placing solar panels on council properties, some argue that the council themselves are not instigating the installation of solar panels in Cambridge.
Recent developments show a stronger initiative and some churches and clergy buildings have been fitted with solar panels. Cllr Mark Howell was quoted in the Cambridge News stating: "Seeing panels being installed is simply fantastic. Tenants will immediately see the benefits of free electricity during the day and this project adds to the district's green credentials."
The new initiatives in Suffolk and Cambridge shows that solar panels and heat pumps are a way of moving into a greener era, following in Norfolk's footsteps.